Automatic alarm-valve.



E. F. SHIPMAN. AUTOMATIC ALARM VALVE.l APPLICATION FILED MAXI, 191.13.

1, 1 25,407. Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

W/TNESSES.'

MMM

/N VEN T05' Eduwdffzman E. F. SHIPMAN. AUTOMATIC ALARM VALVE.

APPLICATION PIL-ED MAY 2, 1903,

l, 1 25,407, Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

4 SHEETS- SHEET 2.

@y ai E. P. SHIPMA-N.

AUTOMATIC ALARM VALVE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2, 1903.

Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

. Hei/zada A UUR/v5 YS.

WITNESSES.'

E. P.v SHIPMAN.

AUTOMATIC ALARM VALVE.

APPLIGATION FILED MAY 2, 190s.

Patented Jau. 19, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

INVENTOH ATTORNEYS UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.`

EDWARD F. SHIPMAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR, `BY' MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO VENTURI ALARM COMPANY, OF DOVER, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW J ERSEY.

AUTOMATEC ALARM-VALVE.

Patented Jan. 19, 1915.

Application tiled May 5.903. Serial No. 155,323.

. of the city of New York, borough of Brooklyn, in 'the county of Kings and State of New .Yorin have invented a new' and lmproved Automatic Alarm-Valve, of which the following is a` iull, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to improvements in automatic alarm valves, designed especially for use in fire extinguisher systems of that class wherein a supply of Water is maintained in distributing pipes, for instant outflow from the sprinkler distributing system on the opening' of any of the numerous sprinkler headsarranged thereon.

One object of this invention is the provision of means by Which the pulsation of a column of water, commonly knownas water `-herinner, is absorbed or taken up in such a way as to prevent disturbance of the main valve on its seat; such means alsomaking provision for the 'How of a limited volume of water around the main valve due to leakage in the system or the opening of one of the sprinkler heads, said limited low being insuliicient to establishv such a difference in pressure on the respective sides of the main valve as to cause the opening thereof.

A 'further object of the invention is to associate with the ley-pass a suitable form of signal actu ating device which is controllable by the flow of water throu h said by-pass to give an audible signal in t e event of continued or uninterrupted flow of Water through the by-pass, but this si al actuating device does not respond to suc pulsations of water known as water hammer.

A further object is to provide a novel form of signal actuating device controllable by the opening of the main valve.

Further objects and advantages of the in-4 vention will appear in the course of the sub- Joined description, and the novelty'vvill be defined by the annexed Claims.

Reference is to behad to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure l is a sectional elevation illustrating a stand-pipe of a ire extinguisher system with my improvements a plied thereto; Fig. 2 is au enlarged vertica sectional elevation through a portion ot' the by-pass pipe and the diaphragm governor associated therewith; Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of one form of signal actuating device which is controllable by the opening of the main valve; Fig. a is a sectional elevation of a modified form of diaphragm governor, illustrating another type of dash pot mechanism to retard the movement of the diaphragm stem in one direction; Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of another type of governor controllable by the by-pass; Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail view through a valved piston employed in the construction shown by Fig. 5; and Fig. 7 isa sectional elevation of another type of signal actuating device and governor adapted for use in connection with the by-pass. Fig. 8 is a vertical section through another form of governor employ- Iing valves instead of a diaphragm.

5 designates a stand-pipe forming a part of an ordinary fire extinguisher system, and in this stand-pipe is inter osed a valve casing or shell 6, the latter being provided with an inclined recess "i, in which is secured a ring or annulus 8, adapted to form the seat of a ma`in valve 9. This ring or annulus is provided with an air chamber 10 Whic`h extends continuously 'around said ring, and the upper side or face of the valve seat ring is formed with a plurality of apertures 1l which communicate with the chamber 10 andv open through the upper face of the valve seat. The chamber 10 or1 the valve seat ring is open to communication with the surrounding atmosphere by means of a port 12, having communication with a pipe 13, which will be hereinafter described.

The valve 9 is of the hinged variety, although 'this is not essential, and said valve is attached by a bolt 14 to an arm l5, which is hinged at 16 in the valve casing 6, whereby the valve is movable toward and from the annular seat ring- 8. The valve is provided on its face with a packing 17 of' any suitable material, and in this packing is formed air annular groove or channel 18, arranged to have communication with the series of portsll and with the air chamber pipe 5, even though the water pressure in the pipe above the valve is lower than the pressure in the pipe below the valve. It is well Known to those skilled in the art that differential valves used in fire extinguisher systems are held in their closed positions by the pressure of water within Acertain limits.

This water pressure in different systems may y vary, but it is common to use water at one hundred pounds pressure. This pressure of one hundred pounds is normally maintained onl the 'under face of the differential valve, but the pressure on the upper face of the valve may vary within certain limits; that is to say, the pressure above the valve due to leakage in the system may be reduced a .few pounds under the pressure on the lower side of the valve without opening said valve.

In myvsystem I employ a by-pass which has communication with the stand-pipe on opposite sides of the differential main valve. This by-pass is shown by Fig. 1 as consisting of a pipe 19 made in suitable lengths, and having branch'es connected either with the stand-pipe 5 or with the valve casing 6, at points above and below said main valve 9. As indicated in Fig. 8 the by-pass may in some cases be provided in its upper branch with a check valve 20, having communication with the stand-pipe at a point above the main valve 9, said check valve being arf ranged to 4open freely in one direction for the passage ofthe water from the by-pass into the stand-pipe, but it closes in an opposite direction so as to prevent Water from passing back from the stand-pipe into the by-pass pipe, as will be readily understood.

The opening of the main valve 9 is the occasion for soundin an audible alarm, and

this alarm mechanism is actuated by fluidv pressure signal actuating devices. The audible alarm is represented by the drawings in the form of an electric bell 21,which is included in an electric circuit 22 having a battery 23 or other source of electrical energy. In the drawings' I have shown different forms of signal or alarm devices, one

of which is the electric bell 21, and another is embodied in the form of a pneumatic whistle 24, but it will be understood that I do not' limit mysel'f to these two forms of alarm, but may instead employ any fair v equivalent therefor.

-' The electric circuit- 22 has separate contacts 25, which are disposed in the upper portion of an" extension 26 ofa trap consisting of legs 27, 28, the last-named leg being rovided lwith a ipe extension 29 which 1s united by a coup ing 30 and a pipe 31 to the air passage 12 leading to the chamber of the annular valve seat 8'.' The legs 27 28 of the ti'ap are filled withmercury or its equivalent up to the level indi- .A cated in- Fig. 3, and when the valve 91 is'V open the water is free to pass through the normally open circuit 22 for the operationof the bell 21. When the .valve 9 is again n closed, the water contained in the pipes 31, 29`is displaced by the backward iow` of the mercury, the latter returning by gravity to the legs 27, 28. The water is free to escape through the pipe 13, which is coupled by the union 30 to the pipes 29, 31, thus withdrawing the mercury from the contacts 25 and opening the circuit 22to stop the alarm.,

It is desirable-to prevent the too rapid upward movement of the column of mercury in the trap when acted on by the flow of water Afrom the valve casing on the opening p of the main valve, and I provide a checking device in the trap for this purpose. Between the leg 27 of the trap, and the pipe extension 26, I employ a valve casing 36 having a valve seat 37, against which bears a valve 38. This valve 38 is provided with ya `contracted port 39, of small area, and on the upper side of the valve is a de fiector 40, which lies immediately over the contracted port 39, for the purpose of preventing a jet -of mercury vfrom being projected through said port in the valve and impinging the contacts 25, thus overcoming premature closing of the circuit 22. The valve 38 is normally held to its seat by any suitable form of retractor, such as the coiled spring 41, reference being had to Fig. 3. When the column of mercury in the trap is displaced by the upward flow of water through the pipe 29 supplied from the hollow valve seat inthe stand-pipe, the mercury fills the valve chamber36 and flows in a limited quantity through the contracted port 39 of-said valve. The mercury gradually accumulates in the pipe 26 until its level reaches the contacts 25 for the purpose of closing the circuit, thus giving the alarm when the main valve is opened as has been described; but whenthc water pressure in the ltrap is reduced, the mercury flows by gravity from the pipe 26 back` into the trap, the weight of the mercury serving to displace the valve 38 from its seat and thereby lopen said valve so as to insure a quick return of the mercury by gravity-to the'trap.

The signal 24 has an airpipe 32 coupled thereto, said pipe being attached to an air compressor tank 33, whichisadapted to be supplied with water by a pipe 34 having a b'ell mouth 35, into which extends the lower v extremity `of the pipe 13. 0n the opening i:

naso

et the main valve 9 and the dow of Water through the valve seat ring 8 and pipe 3l to the pipe extension 28 ot' the'trap, some of the Water will flow through the pipe 13 into the pipe 34'and entrain into said pipe. The air enters the tank 33 along with the Water, and the accumulation of water operates to compress air in said tanlr sufficiently to sound the pneumatic whistle 24. It will be understood. that one or the other of these signal devices associated with the main valve may be omitted. l

lt will-be observed from the foregoing description that the by-pass is provided with a check valve 2G which allows the Water to pass from said by-.passfinto'the stand-pipe at a point above the valve 9 in case of a sudden rise of pressure, thus equalizing the pressure on each side ot the main valve. lilhen the increased pressure is due to Water hammer, an excess of pressure will be formed on the upper :tace of the main valve, because the Water from the lower part of the stand-pipe will take the path ot least resist-ance, which is through the by-pass and around the main valve, thereby holding the main valve more tightly to its seat, the small check valve preventing the return of the Water through the by-pass.

'lhe employment of the perforations 11 in the face of the annular valve seat is advantageous because they serve as a screen tor the main outlet. The combined area of the openings ll more than equals the area or the large opening, so that it is not possible or sediment to clog up the discharge opening. The groove 18 in the packing i7 ol' the main valve covers the perforations li in the valve seat, and as this groove 18 is on the moving part of the valve it Will be understood that said grooved part moves upwardly with the valve when the latter is open, thus exposing the grooved face oi the valve and the perforated face of the valve seat to the flow o water, which ilushes these parts clean of any sediment, thus making it impossible for sediment to clog up the disa charge pipes and render the vaive inopera tive.

@ne ofthe important features of my in vention resides in the employment ot a signalectuating mechanism Whichis controin lable by the flow of water through the bypass 19, but this signal actuating mechanism does not respond to the pulsations of the water column in thestand-pipe due to the action of the t Water hammer.

One. *form of.l the signal-'actuating mechanism is represented by Figs. l and 2 of the drawings, wherein l employ ay governor havz ing a double diaphragm. One of the diaphragme 42 is contained withina casi-ng 43- having a pipe 44 which is connected di rcctly to the by-pass pipe 19. rEhe other diaphragm 45 is coniined in a similar casing 46, which has communication by a pipe 47 with the by-pass pipe l9 The pipe 44 conveys Water from the by-pass to the under side of the lower diaphragm 42, While the other pipe 4? supplies Water from the bypass to the upper side of the upper diaphragm (see Fig. 2). The two diaphragms 45 are connected operatively byA a stem 43, which spans the space between the diaphragm chambers 43, 46, so as to insure simultaneous movement of the two dia phragms, and this diaphragm stein in one embodiment of the invention serves as the means for closing the electric circuit 22. @ne ot the diaphragm casings, preferably the casing 46, is provided with circuit contacts 49, which are connectedv in multiple at 50 in the electric circuit 22, and these contacts 49 are insulated from the casing 46 and disposed in the path of a Contact 5l on the diaphragm stem 48, the parts. 49, 51 constituting practically a circuit closer.

The bypass i9 is provided With mea-ns whereby the fioul of Water therethrough will establish adiderence in pressure on the diaphragms 42, 45, and in one embodiment ot the invention l contemplate the employment of an ejector having a suction side connected with the upper diaphragm chamber, and also having communication through the bypass with the lower portion of the diaphragm chamber 43. This ejector is shown by Fig. 2 in the form of two nozzles 52, 53, which are contained in a suitable casing 54 that is interposed 'in "b upper thereof. The nozzle 52 is atot the casing 54- to tached to the lower part cation through the lower part have commu or the hy-pass directly with the lower diaihragm casing 43 at a point belen7 the lower diaphragm while the upper nozzle 53 is disposed in the casing 54 for communication uninterruptediy with the standpipe. 5 at a point above said main valve. rPhe nozzles 52, 53 are tapered and disposed in reverse iositions, and these nozzles 4are furthermore arranged to have their contracted ends separated a short distance by a space which communicates with the pipe 47 that couples the upper diaphragm casing to the by-pass.

filo prevent the signal-actuating mechaism from responding to the pulsations of water in the stand-pipe and by-pass by the Water-herinner, i associate a checking or ret-aiding luid pressure ldevice with the diaphragm governor mechanism. This checking or retarding device is represented in the form of a dash pot 55 having a restricted port 56 in bottom, said dash pot and the upper part of the diaphragm chamber 43 being partiaily illed with any suitable duid, such as eil. The bottom of the dash pot 55 is also provided with a port 57, of larger area than the port 56, and this port 57 is normally closed by a check valve 53 which the by-pass 19 near theis adapted toppen downwardly and provide for the backward flow of liquid from the dash pot into the upper part of the diaphragm chamber 43. The bypass 19 provides for theio'w of water around the main valve to compensate :torv leakage in the stand-pipe, and for the passage of water in case one of the sprinkler heads opens. The

42 will be exposed to the pressure of the c water in the by-pass 19 and the pipe 44. The dilerence in the pressure on the upper and lower diaphragms 42, 45, permits the stem 48 to be raised until the circuit closer 51 engages `the contacts 49 and thereby closes the circuit 22 for the purpose of sounding the alarm 21, this operation taking placebefore the main valve 9 opens. The upward movement of the stem 48 takes place quite slowly, owing to the fact that the liquid of the dash pot must flow through the contracted port 56 from the chamber above the diaphragm 42 into the' chamber of thedash pot 55, but the vcontinued application of pressure from the by-pass and throughthe pipe 44 on the under side of the diaphragm 42, together with a reduction of pressure on the upper side of the diaphragm 45, will displace the oil from the chamber above the diaphragm 42 intothe dash pot, so that the stem 48 will be gradually lifted for the closer 51 to engage the contacts 49. The presence of the oil in the dashpot and above the diaphragm 42 prevents the pulsation of water due to water-hammer from influencing the stem 48 to such an extent as to close the circuit, The release of pressure on the under side of Vthe diaphragm 42, or the restablishment of 'equal pressure on the diaphragms 42, 45 (by the return, of the other parts to normal position) allows the valve 58 to open and permit the comparatively quick return o the oil from the dash pot into thechamber above the diaphragm 42.

In the embodiment of the invention shown by Fig. 4, the signal-controlling device retains the generic features of the invention shown by Figs. 1 and 2, except that the form of the circuit closer and the construction of the dash pot is changed somewhat. Instead of placing the circuit closer directly on the diaphragm stem 48, I employ a lever 60 fulcrumed at one end vone post 61 ixed to the lower diaphragm casing idem? 43. lever is pivoted at a point intermediate o its length at 62 on the stem 48, and at its free end said lever is equipped with a circuit closer contact 51a adapted to engage the circuit terminals 49a which are included in the electric circuit 22. The dash pot 63 is mounted on the lower diaphragm casing 48but it does not have communicationtherewith. In this dash pot is arranged a valved piston 64, anenlarged detail view of which is represented by Fig. 6. This` piston .is provided with a chamber 65, and at the top and bottom of the piston are provided ports 66. In the piston is a partition 67, having a port 68, adapted to be close-d by means of a valve 69, having' a contracted port 70. The piston 64 is connected with the lever 60 by a piston rod 71, and the chamber of the dash pot 63 is filled with liquid such as oil. This dash pot serves to check or retard the upward movement of the lever 60 and the diaphragm stem 48, because the liquid must How through the restricted opening of the valve 69 when the stem 48 is lifted by pressure against the under side of the diaphragm 42, but when this pressure is relieved, the stem 48, lever 60 and piston rod 71 are adapted to move toward their normal positions with comparative freedom, because the valve 69 will be displaced from its seat when the piston 64 moves .in a downward direction,

'In the form of construction shown by Fig. 5, I dispense with the diaphragm gov ernor as a means for controlling the signal when water passes through the by-pass, and substitute therefor a fluid pressure governor of another form. This governor consists of a cylinder 72, vhaving a pipe 73 which connects its pass 19. The cylinder vis also provided at :i point intermediate of its length with a pipe 74, which connects the same with the upper portion of said by-pass, and the upper, portion of this cylinder is enlarged to form a -j receiver 75, in which are arranged the circuit terminals 49b of the electric signal circuit 22.. The cylinder 72 1s designed to be filled with water to a level above the pipe 74, and the upper part of said cylinder, together with the receiver 75, is charged with a noii-conductingv liquid consisting preferably of oil of a suitable nature. In the cylinder 72 is arec'iprocatory plunger 76, having an upstanding stem 77 which is provided at its upper extremity with a circuitclosing contact 78. The stem 77 is also equipped with a valved plunger 79, which is similar in construction to the piston 64 of the dash pot, the detailed construction of said piston 64 bein shown by Fig. 6. This plunger or piston 9 is made fast with the rod 77, which connects it to the piston 7 6, so that the parts 76, 79 will move simultaneously with the contact 7 8. Normally lower portion to the byniaaeoa the parts occupy the lowered position shown by Fig. 5 when normalconditions prevail in the by-pass and the main' valve is closed, but the ioW of water through the by-pass by they opening of one of the sprinkler heads', or by-lealrage through the`system, will cause the pistons 7 6, 79'to rise, thereby moving, within certain restrictions, the Contact 78 into engagement with the circuit terminals 49h for the purpose of closing the circuit 22 and giving the alarm. rlhe employment of the valved plunger 79 insures the slow upward movement of the plungers and piston rod under the increasedl pressure of water flowing through the by-pass, andthe valved plunger-79 .prevents an abnormal movement of' the parts forming the signalactuating mechanism under the pulsations of the colunm of water due to the water-hammer action.'

The modification represented by F ig. 7 is somewhat analogous to the construction of Fig'. 5, in that it employs aliquidforgclosing vthe circuit through the terminals, but in this form of construction l employ mercury and insulating oil adapted to be displaced-byan increase in the water pressure of the bypass. A mercury receiver 80 is connected at its lower part by a pipe'8l, with the corresponding part of the by-pass, and from the upper part of this receiverrextends a cylinder 82, which at its upper end communicates with a liquid receiver 83.'. From the upper part of the by-pass lleads av pipe .844-, having a water cup 85from-which extends a pipe connectionSG attached to the upper part of the oil receiver 83. In this'oil receiver are arranged' fthe oircuit 'terminals 4:9C having suitable connection with the electric circuit 22. `The communication between the cylinder 82 and the mercury receiver 80 is cut oli' by a partition 87, and between the ,upper part or this'cylinder 82 and the oil receiver 83 is "another partition 88., `Eatending upwardly from the bottom' ci thefmercury receiver 8O is a pipe-89, having communication with the water pipe 8l and terminating close to the partition 87.. A connecting pipe 90 is xed -to the partition 87 for communication with the cylinder 82, and this pipe90 dips into the mercury contained in the receiver 80, the level of the mercury being normally below the upper; extremity of the :Water inlet pipe 89. gThe partition 88 '1sl provided with a port 91 adapted to be closed by a valve 92, which is held normally to its seat by aspring- 83, and in this valve 92 is a contract-ed port, 94, which permits the oil from the lower part of the cylinder 82130 pass slowly into the oil receiver188. With the pipes 81, Seland the water vessel 85 ,lled with water, an increase pressure jdue to the passagezoi' waterlthroughthe hy-pass will forcetheawater from theV pinel into the pipe 89, thereby displaeing-thsmercury contained in the receiver 8 0 and forcing it through the pipe 90 into the cylinder 82. The ascent of the mercury will displace the oil from the cylinder 82 through the valved port 9i, the oil gradually passing by the action of the mercury' from the cylinder 82 into the oil receiver 83. The oil is thusl displaced from this receiver 83 through the pipe 86 into the water vessel 85, and the continued upward movement of the oil, followed by the strata of mercury Vand the water, will eventually displace the oil from `the receiver 83 and ill thev latter with mer,.- cury so as to close the circuit by immcrsing the circuit terminals 49e in the mercury, the oil making its exit through the pipe 86 into the receiver 85 and the pipe 84, The restoration of normal conditions in thesystem will cause the water to iow' back through the pipe'8e so as to force the mercury and the loil bach to the receiver v80 andthe cylinder 82 and receiver 83,1and during this backward How of the mercury and-'oil the valve92 is displaced so as to permit a comparatively :tree return of the liquids to their 4normal condition. l f i In lieu 'of the dash pot devices for controlling the regulator of Figs. l and 2 against the water hammer,l may use the check valves 93, Shin the branch pipes 44, 47, as shown in-Fig. 8. These check valves are disposed `toopen in op nosite directions to one another, and each valve has a port 95 of small area so asl to permit a slow movement of the ,Waterin one direction, while the How 01511.00

water in the other direction opens the valve to permit a comparatively free flow.'

"Having thus described my invention, fl claim vas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent; f i

l. lin automatic sprinkler-alarm appara'r, tus, a water supply pipe foren automatic sprinkler system, a main check valve therein, a movable governing body of conducting liquid,an electric alarm mechanism operativelyrelated to saidbody, an alarm actuating device coperatingI with'said main valve i and operated under emergency conditions in said system to move said body linto emer- Agency.position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism to operate, and to tend to restore` said body to: ineective position when said system ies-restoredtof normal conditions and a uni-directional retarding valve having Aa restricted retardimT` assaee for 120 a ,se b

retarding the movement ol3 said bodyl toward its emergency position and opening to-pro-I vide a'larger return-passage for said body for allowing its relatively free more rapid movement in returning .toward -its normal` inedective position.

" 2, ln automatic sprinkler alarm apparatus, a water supply pipe for an automatic vsprinkler system, a movable governing body oit, conducting liquid, an alarm mechanism zal ` f operatively related to said body, an alarm actuating device coperating with and operated under emergency conditions 'in said system to move said body into emergency position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism to operate, and to tend to restore said body to inelfective position when" said system 'is restored to normal conditions and a uni-directional retarding valve for retarding the movement of saidbody toward its emergency position and opening to provide a larger .return passage for saidvbody .for allowing its relatively free more rapid movement iin returning toward its normal ineffective position.

3. In automatic sprinkler alarm apparatus, a Water supply pipe for an automatic rinkler system, a movable governing body of conducting liquid, an alarm mechanism operatively related to said body, anv alarm actuating device oope'rating With and operated under emergency conditi-onsin said sys- "tem to move said body i/nto emergency position. and cause to condition the alarm mechanism to operate, and to tend to restore said body to ineffective position yvhen said system is restored to normal conditions and retarding means for retarding the movement of said body.

d. In an automatic -alarm device, the combination with a pipe and a main valve, of a signal, and a signal-actuating means controllable by the4 movement of said .mainl valve; said means comprising a trap ada-pted` to contain-a mercury seal and a valve which restricts the flow of said seal to circuit terminals in one direction, and is e'ective in permitting the mercury seal to return "readily to normal condition in the trap.

5. In an automatic alarm device, the combination with a pipe, and a main valve-'theren, of a signal, and signal-actuating means controllable fbyfthe' opening 'of said main valve for actuating said signal; said means comprising: a trap adapted to contain a mercury seal, an extension from said trap containing circuit terminals and a valve provided With a restricted port.

6. In an automatic alarm' device, the combination with a supply pipe for a sprinkler system and a main valve therein, of 'an electricsignal, a signal-actuating mechanism including a column of trapped mercury controllablel by the flow of Water in the-'system 'to close a circuitv of the electric signal and means to retard the(rmwernel'itV of said 'mercury..

v 7. En an automatic "al'arnifdevice, the conlleifi'iatio'n-l with a pipe, yand a main valve -tlierein'and al lay-pass 'communicating with said pipe on opposite sides of the, main valve, "of signal-actuating devices controllableby the i'ow of'tvatrthrough said bypass, and arranged "to actuate a signal by the uninterrupted dow' of water through said by-pass, and checking or retarding means opposing the movement ofthe signalactuating mechanism under pulsations in lthe column of Water contained in the bypass. '7

-8. In an automatic alarm device, the combination with a pipe, and a main valve therein, of a by-pass communicating-With said pipe, and asignal-actuating,mechanism controllable by the ow of Water through said z by-pass; said signal-actuating mechanism including separate diaphragms exposed to pressure of Water in the by-pass, an ejector device having suction communication with one diaphragm chamber `and' direct com- E munication through thev by-pass with the other diaphragm chamber, and circuit-closdevices actuated by displacement of said diaphragms. v

9. In anau'tomatic alarm device, the com- E bination with a by-pass, of'separate diaphragm chambers communicating with said by-pass, an ejector nozzle device in said bypass, connectedl daphragms in-said chambers, andacircuit-closing device controllable i by the movement of said dia-phragms. l

10. In an lautomatic alarm device, the combination with a by-pass, of separate diaphragm chambers having communication` independently of each other with said by-pass, S a noazle in said by-pass with suction communication to 'one diaphragm chamber, separate diaphragms in said chambers, a stem connecting the diaphragms, and a circuit-closer controllable by said stem. 1

ll: In an automatic alarm device, the comi bination of a by-pass, separate diaphragm chambers communicating individually with said by-pass, -anozzle mounted in said bypass, separate diaphragms mounted within said chambers and connected 'by an intermediate' stem, a diashpot for opposing the movements of said diaphragme, and signal. actuating )mechanismy connected with said Yby-pass .and cti-acting therewith. 12..- In anautomatic alarm device, the combination of' a luy-pass, connected diaphragme having communication with said bypass,-a nozzledisposed within said bypass, avalved -dash -pot operatively 'connected with Isaid 'l diaphragms 'and fadapted Vtov oppose `dthe movement thereof in one direction and to permit a relatively' free movement of the diaphragme in the opposite direction, and signal' Yacwzujatilzng mechanism connected vwith said by-pass. v 13. In automatic-sprinkler alarm apparatus, a Water supply pipe'f'for an automatic sprinkler system, a main check valve 'therein, a movable bcdyof conductive liqid, an electric alarm vmechanism operatively re-l lated to`said body, an alarm actuating','de-fvice coperatrngwith said main valve and; operated under Ventiergency conditions in said" system-temere mid body into emergency aisance position and cause-it to condition the alarm mechanism to' operate",y and to tendl to restore said body to ineiective position when said systeml is restored to normal conditions and unidirectional retarding means for retarding the movement of said body toward its emergency position and for allowingV its more rapid movement in 'returning toward its normal inedective position;

ld'. Iny automatic sprinkler alarmapparatus, aA Water supply pipe for an automatic sprinkler system, a movable body ot liquid, anailarm mechanism operatively related to said body, an alarm actuating device co*- operating With and operated' under emergency conditions in said system'to'move said body into emergency position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism to operate,- andV to tend to: restore said body to ineffective' position when said system is restored to normal conditions and retarding means for retarding the movement of said body.

15.v In automatic sprinkler alarm apparatus, a water supply pipe for an automatic sprinkler system, a main valve therein, a movable* governing body, an alarm mechanism operatively reiatedto said" body, an alarm actuating? device cooperating with said1 main valve and, opera-ted under emergency' conditions insaid system to move said body into emergency position and cause it to condition the' alarm: mechanism to opcrate, andK to tend to] restore said body to ineffective" position when said system is restored to' normal' conditions and retarding means for retarding theimovcment. of said body. v A

1G.4 in an automatic alarmk device, a' pipe connectedto a i're'- extinguishing system, a signal-actuating mechanism, a signal to be actuated by said mechanism, said signaalactuating mechanism iiicli'ldingA a trap containing a' mercury sealdisposedto have access-to the terminals of a; circuit which includes said signal, and'means for restricting the' movementot the mercury seal to thecircuit terminals. Y

17. in a deviceo the class described', the'l combinationv with' a valve and an alarm'- meoha'nisnnvof a shiftingbody for conditioning the alarm mechanism to operate, meansl through which" the valve in opening conditionssaid' body to shift, andl means forl retarding its:V movement.

18. In adevice of the class, described, the combination' with avalve and anA alarm mechanism, of a shifting body for conditioning the alarm mechanism to operate, means -tor retarding the movement or' said body,

means through which' tlnavalveI in opening conditions said body to-move in one direction', and thereby condition the alarm mechanism to operate, and means whereby thereturnv movement of1 the'A valvel conditions saidbody tol move vinf thel opposite direction.

v Vmovable governing body,

ineiiflectiveV position, an emergency mechanism operatively' relatedA to said body, actuatingmeans- 'to-normally restrain the movement of said' body and adapted to operate on the emergency tlovv of liquid in the con'- n'ecte'd sprinkler systemto allow said body tofmove toward its emergency position and cause' it toA condition the emergency mechas nisin to'operate, and to move said body toward itsv inetective position when said' system' is restored to normal condition.

20. in a device' ot the class-described, the combination of a support having a chamber, :r Huid' bodyl contained in the chamber and adapted tol shift therein, means for retarding.: the` shittingv of said body, and means controlled by the pressure in the system for shifting said body and causing it to conditiontle alarm mechanism to operate.

2l. movable body, an' emergency mechanism operatively related tosaid body, means to normall'yf restrain the movement of said body and operating under fire emergency conditions-tol allow the movement of said body toward its? emergency position and cause it to condition the emergency mechanism to operate, and operating to edect the movement of said body toward an inedective position when emergency conditions no longer exist-*and retarding means for retard-ing the movement of said body toward its emergency position.

22o in: automatic sprinkler alarm'v apparatus, a water supply pipe for an automatic sprinkler system, a' main valve therein, a" movable governing body, an alarm mechanism-l operatively related to said body, an

valarm actuating device cooperating with said main valve and normally restraining the movement of said body and under emergency conditions in said system operating to allow the' movement of said bodytoward emergency position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism vto operate, and tending to restore said body to inedective position when said system is restored to normal conditions and retarding means for retarding the movement of said body toward'v emergency position and for allowing; its* morey rapid movement in moving towardv inedective position.

%.ln a device of the class described, the combination; of a support having a chamber, a fluid body contained in said chamber andv adapted to shift from place tio place therein, means for retarding the shifting of the fluidy body, means controlled by the pressure in' the system for shiftingv the? iiuid body in the chamber, and an electricaln automatic sprinkler apparatus, a i

" alarm mechanism having terminals in the'tem' is .restored to normal conditions and its emergency position and-.for allowing its sition. more rapid movement in moving toward its unidirectional retarding means for retard'-v chamber adapted to be connected and dising the movement 'of said body toward its connected' as the body shifts.

' 24. .In an automatic sprinkler apparatus,

a movable governing body, means for 're- `comparatively free more rapid movement in emergencyfposition and for allowing its tarding the movement of said body toward returning toward its normal inedective po-l A :29. In automatic sprinkler alarm appaineective position, an emergency mechanism operatively related tosaid body, acsprinkler system, a movable governing tuating means comprising an ejector nozzle body, an alarm .mechanism operatively redevice adapted tooperateon the emergency lated to said body, an alarm actuating deiiow of liquid in .the .connected-sprinkler' vice coperating with and operating under system to edect the movement of-said body emergency vconditions in said. system to toward an emergency` positionv it to condition the emergency mechanism to cause it to condition the .alarm mechanism operate and to ei'ect the movementl of said to operate, and to'tend to-restoie`said body body toward an yineffective .position .when to ineffective' position when said systemis said system" is restored to normal condition. 25. in anv automatic sprinkler alarm device, a water supply pipe, a main check valve rectionalretarding means for retarding-the movement oisaidf'body toward its einer,-

- therein, a cooperating signal tactuating j"gency `posi'tionfand` forrfallowing its more ',erating with said main valve and operative rapid n ioveinent infretiriiiing toward normal ineiectlve positionsmechanism operated by the opening .oil-said valve andOmprising an electrical connec- .t-ion and device comprising a mercury seal adapted when displaced tojcoperate lwith said electrical connection. Wzl.

26. In an automatic "sprinkler alarmfderatus, .an automatic sprinkler system, y. a movablegoverningbody, an alarm mecha.-

themovement 'of said body, 'an alarm mech# Said system and operating under emergency anism. operatively related to said body and conditions :thereof to move-:said body into means adapted to be controlled by the presemergency Iposition and-'cause it to'condition sure. in the connected sprinkler system for thealarm mechanism to operate,` and te tend moving said body'vand causing it 'to condfh tending-to restore said body to ineective ditions and unidirectionalretarding 'means position when said systemfis' restored l to for retarding the movement of said body normal condition. 4 I j toward its emergency Jposition and for 'al- Mln an automatic sprinkler-alarm delowing its comparativelyfree movement in lvice, afmovable body, means `for retarding returning toward.` its normal inedective po-v the movement 'cfr-"said body toward its sition. i o

' 31. In automatic fire alarm apparatus,a

body, an electric alarm its normalinedective position, an alarm mechanism operatively related to said body,

emergency position* and for `allowing'its more rapid movement-in returning toward a :movable governing mechanism operatively related to said body, an alarm actuating device operating under actuating means adapted to be .controlled lire emergency conditions to move said body ratus, a supply pipe fory an automatic and cause move said'body into emergency positionand i 30. ln' automatic sprinklerl alarm Vappa-A nism operatively. related to .said body, -an

vice, a movable bodypmeans for retarding alarm actuating .device coperating. with' to restore lsaid lbody to ineffective position tion the alarm mechanism to ,operate and when said system i'srestored to normal con.`

restored toino'rinal conditions and unidi- -f itsl il.

byptlie How of liquid in the connected into emergency position'and cause it to consprinkler system for moving said body-intosgdition the alarm mechanismto operate,1 and emergency position and causing it to condiQrf. totend to restore said body to inedectivepm tion theralarm'. mechanism to operate and sition when emergency conditions no, longer allowing said body to vreturn to ineffective` exist and unidirectionalretarding means for position vwhen said system is xvrestored to retarding the movementof said body toward normal condition. l its emergencypositionand for'allowing its .528. Inlautomatic sprinkler Ialarnr apparates, alwater supply pipe for an automatic s inkler'zsystem, amain vautomatic val've t ei'ein, amovable governing body,vanelec tric alarm vmechanism operatively related to said body,.an alarm actuating device coptoward its normalv ineective'position.

vrater supply pipey for an automatic sprinkler system, a main automatic valve coperating therewith,a movable governing body, ant electrically-operated emergency mechacomparatively free movement in returning- 'l2 32. In automatic sprinkler apparatus, ai*

under emergency-conditions in said .system nism operatively related -to said body, an j to move. said body into emergencyposition einerg, 1gency=:actuating' device coperating i with saldi'l main valve. and operated under emergency lconditions in said system to move said bodyiiitoY emergencyposition and cause and cause it to condition the alarm.mech a' nism to operate, andto tend to restore said body to ineffective positionwhen said sysoperato, a

it to condition the emergency rdech'anismto 51d to. allori Seid body to rotar-11 lo ioodeotiro position vhoe emergency oo nditions no longer -eXist and differentlal retafrding means for. retarding the movement 0i c and for allowingits more free movement in returning toward normal irreifectivel positidn. r

3,3. In, automatic sprinkler alarm apparatus, an automatic sprinkler system, a mov,.- able governing body, an alarm mechanism operatively related to said body, an alarm actuating device cooperating with said sys# tem and operated under emergency condigency positionl and cause it to. condition the alarm mechanismrto operate, and togallow saidv body to return to ineffective position when emergency conditions no longer exist and differential retardinsz means for retarding` the movement of said body JUOWard its emergency position and. for allowingV its more free movement in returning toward its normal ineffective position.

34. In automatic fire extinguishing. apparatus, a movable governing body, an emergencv vmechanism operatively rela-ted' `to said body, an emergency actuating device operated under fire emergency conditions to move said body -into emergency positionand cause it to condition the emergency. mechanism to operate, and te allow said body to return to ineffective position when emereencvoenditiens no. longer exist and dit ferential retarding means for' retarding. thai movement of .said bodyl toward its emergency position and for allowing its more free movement in returning toward its normal ineffective position.

35. In automatic alarm apparatus, a movable governing body, an alarm mechanism operatively related to said body, an alarm actuating devicecperated under emergency Y conditions to move said body into emergency position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism to ,operate and to allow said body to return'fto ineffective position when emergency conditions no longer exist and differential retardina means for retarding the movement of said body toward its emergency position and for allowing itstmorefree movementin returning toward' itsnor- .mal ineffective position;

36. In automatic fire alarm movable body, an alarm mechanism operatively related to said body, means operated under fire emergencyconditions to move said bod-v into emergency position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism -to operate. and to allow said body to return tov ineffective position when emergency'v conditions no longer exist and retarding means for retarding the movement of said body towardits emergency position.

.n.lSm, operatively related. said body toward its emergency position wording moese for rotordng tho movement 'of said body'. l v Y tions thereof to movevsaid'body into emeroperating therewith, a movable tion the emergency mechanism apparatus, a'

37e le autoradio Sprinkler alarm opnaiatus. a Water supply pipe for an automatic Spenden Sanborn, a mais valve therein. o

movable saremmo body, an. alone moehealarm acti'iating. device coperating with said; main valve and operated guider einergeny conditions in saidA system to effect the movement otsaid body toward emergency position and cause it tocondition the alarm L mechanism to operate, and-to tend to restore said body to ineffective position 'when said system is restored to normal'conditions and 38. In automatic alarm apparatus, a movable governirngz; body, an alarm mechanism operatively related .to Soidbodv, an alarm to, said body, an

actuating device operated under emergency conditions t9 effect. the movement of said body into emergency position andy causeit to.v Condition theallir-mmechanism to opormoet in returning-toward its normal inof- Y fective. posi ti on.,

3,9,. In automatic: alarm-apparatus, a

vmovablebo dyf.an alarm mechanism operatively related body. means operated under fire emergency conditi ons to effect .'the movement` a. said 'body .toward its emerl'gency position and cause it to condition Jrhe alarm mechanism to operate, and to effectthe movement of said body vtoward an" in-v effective positionl when emergency conditions no longer exist and retarding means for retarding the movement of said body toward its emergency position.

40. In automatic sprinkler apparatus. a water supply pipe for an automatic sprinkler system, amain automaticyalveco' governing body. an emergency mechanism .operatively related to said body. an emergency actuat- A ina' device operatively related to said main valve and operating under emergency conditions in sai d system to move' said bodv toward its emergency position andcause it to condi- Y to operate, mea-ns to effect tbe return of said bodv toward its ineffective position when emergencv conditions no longer exist and-dierential` retarding means forv retardinar the movement-'off said body toward its emergency position jand for allowing its more free movement in returning toward its normal ineffective position.

41. In automatic alarm apparatus. a movable governing body. an 'alarm mechanism operativelv'related to said body, an alarm actuating device operating under emergency conditions to effec-t the movement of said body toward its emergency position and cause it to condition the alarm mechanism to operate, means to effect the movement of said body toward an ineffective position when emergency conditions no longer exist and differential retarding means for retarding the movement of said body toward its emergency position and for yallowing its more free movement toward an ineffective4 position. 1

' 42. In automatic sprinkler alarm apparatus, a supply pipe for a sprinkler distributing system a cooperatingl alarma mechanism adapted to be-actuated on the How of liquid in said supply pipe and comprising differential retarding means for retarding.

the movement of said alarm mechanism toward an emergency position in which an alarm indication can be given and for allowing the' more rapid movement of said. alarm mechanism toward an ineffective pol sition to minimize false alarms due to water.

. hammer and so-forth.

discharge o.

eii'ective position than toward an emergency position in which it is adapted to allow an alarm indication to be given to minimize false alarms.

44. In automatic alarm apparatus, a supply pipe for a fire extinguishing system and a coperatin alarm mechanismactuated on rapid movement'of said alarm mechanism toward an ineffective position than toward 'an emergency position in -which an alarm indication can be given to thereby minimize false alarms due to waterhammer and 4so forth. f Y

uid from said system and. -comprising means for effecting the more 4 5. In automatic alarm apparatus, adistributing system comprising a supply pipe and automatic sprinkler heads and a eooperating alarm mechanism actuated by movement of fluid in said system and'comprising means'` for effecting the more rapid movement of said alarm mechanism toward' 'an ineffective position than tovvardan emergency position 1n which an 'alarm indication can be given to thereby minimize false alarms due to Water hammer and so forth. y In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses. l i' EDWARD F. SHIPMAN.

Witnesses:

JN0. M. RITTER, H. F.-BnnNHARD. 

